URI launches fall Forensic Science Seminar Series

KINGSTON, R.I. -- September 10, 2004 -- The University of Rhode Island’s Forensic Science Seminar Series for the fall semester will feature a best-selling author, as well as discussions on computer crime, terrorism and the federal secret service.

The series, which provides free public lectures through URI’s Forensic Science Partnership, is in its fifth year. All lectures will be held on Fridays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Pastore Hall, Room 124. Refreshments are served prior to the lectures.
The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 15 – William Deso, senior chemist and the branch chief of the Engineering and Science Research and Development for the U.S. Secret Service, “Chemistry at the United States Secret Service.”

• Friday, Oct. 22 – Skip Voorhees, United States Postal Service Crime Laboratory, “Microscopy and Chemistry Put Him in Jail.”

• Friday, Oct. 29 – Cyril H. Wecht, former chair of the Department of Pathology and president of the medical staff at St. Francis Central Hospital in Pittsburgh, “Controversial & Complex Cases, Challenges for the Forensic Pathologist.”

• Friday, Nov. 12 – Det. Sgt. Joseph Blozis, a senior sergeant in the Crime Scene Unit and supervisor of detectives for the New York City Police Department, “Crime Scene Investigations.”

• Friday, Nov. 19 – Robert Leuci, former member of the New York City Police Department, and now best-selling author. He’ll discuss his new book, All the Centurions: A New York City Cop Remembers his Years on the Street, 1961-1968.

• Friday, Dec. 3 – David E.G. Jones, head of the research and development group at the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory, “Explosives.”

• Friday, Dec. 10 – James Starrs, law professor at The George Washington University, “Cold Cases.”